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Why Mold Matters

Mold inside a building is an important issue which needs to be addressed when it occurs, or preferably before it has a chance to form. The mold itself creates additional problems for the people who live or work in the building and the conditions which lead to mold formation is detrimental to the structural integrity and therefore the value of the building.

What Mold Is, and How It Forms

Mold is a natural spore which already exists in the organic portions of your home or building. When it meets with moisture, it turns into the black grime you actually see on or in the walls. Water can be introduced in a number of ways, including humidity, an improperly functioning drainage system, or broken plumbing inside the wall or ceiling. Once mold has begun to form, it will continue to grow until an active plan is used to remove the growth completely. The longer mold is allowed to remain before treatment only means the repair procedure is going to be more in depth and more expensive.

Mold Health Issues

Mold is typically associated with respiratory health problems as they are common with mold exposure and potentially the worst of what mold can do. With that said, there is a list of lesser known symptoms caused by mold including skin rash, general fatigue, and general flu-like symptoms. One aspect to remember about mold is it’s an allergen, meaning you never develop a tolerance to it but rather suffer worse as you’re exposed to mold throughout your lifetime.

How to Clean Mold

Cleaning mold is not a simple task. First, the extent of the mold has to be determined and this usually means tearing out drywall for access to the inner portion of the wall. The process of replacing the drywall is a sizable job in itself, and usually insulation is also going to have to be pulled out and replaced, and in worst case scenarios portions of framing may have to be replaced. Any electric and plumbing systems in the wall may also have to be replaced. When it does come time to clean the visible mold, a special solution designed to fight mold has to be used. Of course bleach will kill mold, however, bleach evaporates faster than the water in which it is suspended leaving moisture behind to start the mold growth cycle again. Effectively cancelling the clean-up process.